Donald Trump Endorses Mark Robinson for North Carolina Governor, Drawing Parallels to Martin Luther King Jr.

Former President Donald Trump officially endorsed North Carolina Lt. Gov Mark Robinson for governor on Saturday, fulfilling a promise he made several months ago.

During a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Trump likened Robinson, who is Black, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the iconic civil rights leader, calling him “Martin Luther King on steroids.”

Trump even went as far as telling Robinson, jokingly, that he believed Robinson was better than Martin Luther King, saying, “I think you are Martin Luther King times two.”

“You should like it,” Trump added.

Trump encouraged people to vote for Robinson and other candidates in the upcoming North Carolina Republican primaries, endorsing them and stating that they have his full support. He is also on the primary ballot, aiming to secure the GOP nomination.

Despite not receiving a formal endorsement, Robinson’s strong fundraising and popularity, combined with Trump’s backing, have positioned him as the front-runner for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Robinson’s primary opponents have raised concerns about his electability in the general election, pointing to controversial remarks he has made on LGBTQ+ rights and other topics.

Trump praised Robinson at the rally, describing him as an “incredible gentleman” and a “great, natural speaker.” He reminisced about Robinson’s rise to fame following a viral 2018 speech in support of gun rights and police to the Greensboro City Council.

Robinson expressed gratitude for Trump’s endorsement, stating that he looks forward to partnering with Trump to lead the Republican ticket to victory in November.

The upcoming election will also determine the Democratic nominee for governor, with candidates including Attorney General Josh Stein and former state Supreme Court Associate Justice Mike Morgan.

With statewide elections in North Carolina typically being close, the outcome of the race remains uncertain.